Apparatus for molding pistons



Feb. 16, 1937.

J. R. .cox IET AL APPARATUS FOR MOLDING PISTONS INVENTOR5. JOHN i?. Oo x BY HL (R50 MHRH/fosxn ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 16, 1937.

J. R. `COX ET AL APPARATUS FOR MOLDING PISTONS Filed Feb. `18, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

J. R. COXl ET AL 2,070,649

APPARATUS FOR MOLDING PSTONS Filed Feb. 18, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS.

ATTORNEY,

IlA

.WWE-Hiv l. wm Imm.,

Feb.` 16, 1937.

Feb. 16, 1937.- J R @0Xv ET AL 2,070,649

APPARATUS FOR MOLDING PISTONS Filed Feb. 18, 1933 4 SheefS-Sheefc 4 ATTORNEYS.

Patented F eb. 16, 1937' APPARATUS FOR MOLDING PISTONS J ohn R. Cox, Lakewood, and Alfred A. Abramoska, Parma, Ohio, assignors to Thompson Products,

Inc., Cleveland, Ohio Application February 18, 1933, Serial No.- 657,404

6 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of molding castings of aluminum alloys and the like, as for instance in connection with the manufacture of composite pistons in which the skirt may be formed preliminarily of metal other than an aluminum alloy'.

In a general way, the present invention pertains to that type of mechanism which comprises a sectional outer permanent mold with a gate through which the molten metal is poured and a sectional inner core which may be assembled and disassembled so as to permit the molding of the metal and the later removal of the iinished cast- One object of the present invention is to devise an apparatus of this character which is highly eilicient in its operation and .which is so constructed and arranged that it can be operated in a comparatively simple and convenient manner.

Another object consists in devising such an apparatus in which all of the several parts, including the mold sections, are permanently attached to the frame structure and are conveniently manipulated by the operator.

A more specic object consists in the provision of an improved mechanism for convenient and efficient manipulation of the individual members of the sectional core.

A still further object consists in the provision of convenient and effective means for maintaining the adjustable parts in set position.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description and claims when considered together with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. l is a front elevation of our improved form of apparatus, this view being taken from the `position occupied by the operatorl during actual use of the apparatus;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same;

taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 with the sectional core and mold in inactive position;

Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to Fig. 3 except that the sectional core and mold are in active 4;, position;

Fig. 5y is for the most part a top plan view of the apparatus, this View being taken upon line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6 6 of 50 Fig. 4 and illustrates the slidable engagement of the bracket upon which the central core section and one of the side core sections are mounted for lateral movement;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 1-1 of 55 Fig. 4; l

Fig. 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view- Fig. 8 is a transverse section taken online 8 8 of Fig. 4 and shows in enlarged detail the sectional portion of Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 4 and illustrates the nesting engagement of 5 the central and side members of the sectional core; and

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on line Ill-I0 of Fig. 4 and illustrates in detail the slidable engagement of the mounting for one of the side members .of the sectional core and the means for operating the same.

It is to be understood, of course. that the parts of the sectional core and the sectional mold are mounted upon a suitable support and that Vthese partsare operated by means of specially constructed and arranged lever mechanism, all of which will be hereinafter more fully described.

Briefly stated, the sectional core comprises a central core member and two side core members,

' and their method of operation, stated in a general way, is as follows. One side core member is first moved outwardly along a straight line toits operative position; the other side core member is then moved upwardly into the horizontal plane of the first side core membervand then outwardlyv along a straight line toits operative position, these two movements of this second core member being performed as a continuous, single manipulation. Then, with the two side core membersin active position and with proper space therebetween for the central core section, the central core member is moved upwardly along a straight line into such space between the side core mem-P) bers so as to thereby complete the coreassembly. Then the mold sections are moved to closed position and the molten metal is then poured through the gate provided by the mold sections. When v the casting has set, the core sections are withdrawn by following the reverse method of manipulation from that above described. Then the mold sections are withdrawn and the casting is removed. This' same methodof procedure may then be followed as often as desired.

The support for the entire mechanism comprises the table top I and the legs 2 therefor. The table top I is provided with a central opening with an annular shoulder or depression so as to provide a countersunk seat for the ri-.1 g 3 which is bolted in position. It is to be understoodthat diierent rings having'various sizes of openings may be employed, according to the size of casting desired. As will be seen, the ring 3 is ush with the table top I. y

One side core member 4 is removably bolted auA ' tral core member II are both carried by the upon the inner end of the slide member 5 which has'slide engagement in the slideways 6 upon the under side of the table top I. 'I'his slide lmovement is for the purpose of moving the ycore the present illustration (see Fig. 5), the lever arm 1 has a reduced end portion which has free engagement within the slotted end of the member 9 which is pivotally mounted upon the underside of one of the slide bars 6, as indicated in Fig. 10. Any other suitable form'of operating lever means might be adopted for this purpose, "as willbe readily understood. A

`The other side core member I and the censame bracket I2 which is mounted in the supporting structure for horizontal sliding movement and upon which each of these two core members is adapted forvindividual vertical sliding movement, in .the manner and for the purpose to be hereinafter. more fully explained.

The bracket'l2 has slidable engagement with the slide rails I3'provided upon the under side of the table I. The bolt I4 which is secured to the one end ofthe slidable bracket I2, extends through a stop plate I 5 depending from the table top'so that the engagement of the head of the bolt I4 with the plate I5 will serve to limit the extent of slide movement of the bracket in the one direction, that is, towards the left, as Viewed in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The coil spring I6 surrounds the bolt I4 and extends between the bracket I2 and the stop plate I5, so as to cushion the movement of this bracket inits extreme movement towards the right, and also to hold bracket I2 to the extreme left when core section I0 is being moved upward.

The bracket I2 la provided with vertically disposed' slide rails I1 upon which is slidably mounted the support I8 for the right side core section Il),l so Athat this core section can be moved up and down into and out of the horizontal plane of the left side core section 4.

The mechanism for manipulating the bracket I2 and the core section I0, in the manner just referred to, will now be described. From the rear side of the support I8 there extends the arm I9 to which there is pivotally connected the lever 2li at the point 2l somewhat below the upper end of the lever 20. The lever 20, throughout its lower portion, is bored out so as to form a heusing for a coil spring 22 an'd a pin 23 which aiifords an abutment for the lower end of the spring which, at its upper end, seats in the upper end of the bore in the lever 20, as already referred to.

vThe bottom end of the pin 23 is in turn engaged by the transverse pin 24 which is ilxed to the one end of the link arm 24 and whichV extends through the slot 25 provided in the lower end portion of the'lever 20. Thus, there is provided a pin-and-slot connection ybetween these-lever members so as to permit the operation intended therefor, with the further advantage of the compressionspring which prevents the parts from other end to the sprocket 26 which is mountediriv the bracket I2 and which is operated by the sprocket chain 21. 'I'he other sprocket 28y for the chain 21 is mounted upon the bracket I2 at a to turn in the same direction and the outer core section will be thereby moved upwardly along its 1 slideway I1. l

As above stated, the vertical movement of the outer core section III is independent of the central Acore section II. Thus, the central section II remains in its lowered position, (Fig. 3), during the upward movement of the outer section I0, as just referred to.

As the outer core section I0 approaches its limit of upward movement, the upper. end of the lever 20 will enter the over-size socket 30 provided in the. under side of the table top I. The engagement of the upper end of lever 20 within the socket 30, constitutes a disengageable fulcrum, as will be llater more clearly understood. The top part of bracket I2 is cut out, as at I2, to accommodate the movements of lever 20.

' of handle 29 continues in the same direction as above described, and with the upper end of lever 20 engaged within the socket 30, the lever 20 will now turn about its pivot point 2| and the upper end of lever 20 will come into engagement against the inner or left-fhand side of Vthe socket 30, as viewed in Fig. 4 of the drawings. In this way, continued operation of this mechanism will cause the lever 2B to'turn in a counter-clockwise direc-'- tion, the link arm 24 and the lever 20 co-acting as a toggle connection, with the automatically compensating means at the, joint therebetween, as before explained. Thus, the pivot point 2I is then moved laterally towards 'the right, as viewed in Fig.v 4, and consequently the outer core section I0 is moved outwardly alonga straight line to its operative position. At the nal termination of this operation, the joint between the toggle links 20 and 24 occupies position beyond dead center, as indicated in Fig. 4, and this serves as a locking means, as will be readilyunderstood.

With the mechanism 'as thus far described. when operated in the manner explained, the two outer core sections are moved fro'm inactive position, as indicated in Fig. 3, tov active position, as indicated in Fig. 4. When this has been accomplished, there is left a space between the two outer core sections to accommodate the central core section which will then be moved into such space so as to occupy active position and thereby complete the assembly of the sectional core.

In passing, it should be noted that the upper` end ofthe lever 20 is formed asa ball 2li8L andt that the dome of the socket M. is given a cone 7.5

shape so as to facilitate the movement of the ball-shaped end of the lever 2|! in the manner herein explained.

The central core section I I is removably mounted upon the upper end of the rod 3| which is slidable up and down in the guide-way 32 provided therefor in the arm 33 of the bracket |2. .The lower end of the rod 3| has pivotal connection at 34 with one end of lever link arm 35, the other or upper end of which is pivotally connected at 36 to the one end of lever 31. The lever 31 is rotatably mounted at 38 in the bracket arm 33, and has positive operative connection at this point with the crank arm 39.

The lower end of rod 3| and the pivotal connection 34 are adapted for slidable movement along the slotted link arm 40 which is pivotally connected at its other or lower end to the one end of lever 4|. The 'lever 4| is rockably mounted at 42 in the frame 43 which forms part of the supporting structure for the operating mechanism. The foot pedal 44 is connected at 42V to the lever 4| so as to operate the same. The lever 4| and foot pedal 44, upon release thereof, are automatically returned to idle position by the spring 45 which is connected at its one end to the lever 4| and is anchored at its other end to the frame structure 43. The purpose of the foot pedal 44 will be explained below.

As soon as the bracket I2 has been moved towards the right so as to place the outer core section I in operative position, as above explained, then the crank arm 39 will be turned clockwise, as viewed in the figures of the drawings, with the result that the link arm 35 will be raised and the rod 3| will be raised also thereby, so as to move the central core section to active position, the lower end of the rod 3| moving along the slotted link 40 during this manipulation. Full manipulation of this mechanism, in the manner just described, will cause the upper pivot point 36 of the arm 35 to pass dead center with respect'to the point 38,

as is clearly indicated in Figs. 1 and 4. Thus,v

slotted varm 40' to pull down upon the pin 34 attached to the lower end of the rod 3|. Such releasing of the central core section ,will be accomplished by the timethe pedal engages the floor. Then the hand crank 39 can be employed with ease for the further lowering movement of the central core section.

It will be observed that the outer bottom edge portions of all the core sections are each formed with a ange to engage under the ring 3 when in operative position. Also, the inner faces of the outer core sections are inclined inwardly and upwardly, thereby together forming a wedgeshaped space therebetween for the central core section which, as will be observed, is of a cor 'responding wedge shape. The .c ore sections are adapted to t snugly together when in assembled or operativeA position, as is of course necessary, and, as will be observed from Figs. 8 vand 9 of the drawings, Vthe middle areas of the inner faces of the outer core sections are formed with enlarge? ments or ribs therealong for interlocking enga'gement with the corresponding reduced areas or grooves along the two sides of the center core section.

When the core sections havebeen moved to operative position, in the manner above explained, the two mold sections 46 will be moved to closed position preparatory to pouringv the casting. These mold sections are duplicate in form and they are both provided with the same form of operating mechanism.

Each mold section is mounted upon the'inner end of a slide member 41, which has slide engagement with the slide rails 43 so' as to be slidable back and forth along the table top This movement, in each case, is effected by means of the link 49- which is pivoted at its one end to the slide member 41 and'is pivotally connected at its other end to the crank lever 50 which is fixed to the shaft of the crank handle 52, the shaft 5| being rockably mounted in bearings upon the top of the slide rails 48. The link 49 and lever 50 together constitute a toggle whichjwhen moved beyond dead center, will serve as a lock to maintain its mold section securely fin closed position.

The mold sections are so formed that when in closed position, there will be afforded a bull'et' mold gate 53 for pouring the casting, as will be ,readily understood.

Each mold section is also provided with a removable core 54 which is adapted to form the bea-ring for the wrist pin of the piston, as will also be understood.

To recapitulate briefly, the operation of our present apparatus is as follows. Assuming that the parts are in idle position as indicated in Fig. 3, itwill be observed that the left outer core section 4 is above the other two core sections, the reason for which will be later understood.

In assembling the parts preparatory to the molding operation, the left outer core section 4 is moved to the left by manipulation of the lever so as to engage the ring 3. Then by continuous manipulation of the handle 29, the right outer core section |0 will liirst be raised tothe same 'horizontal' plane as the left outer core section 4, and will then be moved outwardly along a straight line so as to engage ring 3 and thus occupy operative position. During the lateral movement of the right core section I0, as -just referred to, and as part of the same operation, the central core section is moved laterally to the right so as to then be in vertical alignment with its operative position to which it is then ready to be raised. This is next accomplished by manipulation of the crank arm 39 which, by virtue of the toggle link connection, serves to'lock -the center core sectionin operative position.

Thus, there is no danger of accidental dislodgment of the sections of the core.

The mold sections are then closed'land the casting is poured. When the metal has had time to harden sufficiently for removal of the casting, the reverse manipulations are followed for withdrawing the core sections, as will be explained.

Preparatory to removing the casting, the lock which holds the center core section in operative position is broken by means of handle 39, after which depression of the foot pedal 44 to the floor will release the center core section which is then lowered further by means of the hand"'crank 39. Then the right core section is moved to the left so as to permit the upper overhanging portion thereof to clear the casting and thus per? mit the core section I0 to be lowered.

By turning handle29 counter-clockwise, the

toggle between lever arms 24 and 2li is broken and the lever,l 20' is turned about its .pivot .in a

h en the pin 22 of lever 24 reaches the bottom e d of the slot in the lower end of lever ann 20,

hen continued counter-clockwise motion of lever 24 will pull lever arm 20 downwardly and the right core section I0 will likewise be moved downwardly so as to occupy the position indicated in Fis. 3.

en the moved to the right to idle position, as the other two core sections have vacated the space to be now occupied by the section 4.

With the core sections all in idle position, the mold sectiohs'arethen opened and the casting is removed. v

It will be observed that when the sections of the core are being moved to idle position, the

centralsection is ilrst lowered so as to permit lateral movement of one ofthe side core sections. Then this side core section is lowered so as to permit lateral movement of the other side c'ore section to idle position. Thus Athe constructionl and arrangmenthof these several core sections and the manner of operating the same..

constitutes comparatively simple and compact i orm of mechanism which at the same time is decidedly dependable and efllcient in its opera.-V

tion.

Furthermore, it will be observed that the one 4outer core section lli-is given-a compound'movement by being moved. upwardly and outwardly into active position by a single continuous manipulation of its operating mechanism, and the same thing is true of the reverse manipulation for movvi'n'g it from active to inactive position. -At the same time and by means of the same manipulation, the central core section is moved to vproper position preparatory toits succeeding individual nal manipulation to bring it into either active or inactive position as the case may be.

VBy virtue ot the particular construction and manner of operation of the parts as just referred to, it Iis only necessary for the side core section 4 to be. moved along a straight line laterally into and out of active position. l v

It should be observed also that all of the various movable members of this entire mechanism are permanent parts of the apparatus and that none of the movable members is removed there- -from during its continued and repeated operation. Thus, there is involved only a minimum amount oi labor and time 'in the operation of `the device, and as a result there is made possible an increased quantity production and a corresponding decrease in cost of the ilnshed product.

All of these severalimprovements have beenobtained with the presentvmchanism without, however. sacriiicin'g any requirements of a high class finished product. Also, it is to be understood that this apparatus is equally capable of Ibeing used in the production of a one-piece castin'g or a ,two-piece casting. and that it can be readily adapted for various sizes of pistons by left core section 4 is ready to bc making suitable substitution o! parts as above suggested and as will be readily understood. f

Furthermore, it is to be understood that with suitable modication within the skill of the trained mechanic, this same general combination of structural elements, and the particular manner of operating the same, can be employed for producing various forms of castings other than pistons and that this invention is therefore not limited to the production of pistons alone.

It is to be understood that the present form of disclosure is merely for purposes of illustration and that the particular construction and arrangement ,of device herein I shown might be modied without departing from the spirit of the invention embodied therein and that any and all suchmodications or variations are intended to be comprehended by the following claims.

What we claim is:

1. In a molding machine, the combination of a support, lan outer mold body and a sectional core mounted upon said support, said core comprising .central and side members, one oi said side core sections being mounted for straight-line lateral movement into and out of active sition, and the other core sections being mounted for lateral Amovement together as a unit and being also mounted for individual, independent vertical movement so as to accommodate the lateral movement of the said one core section,.'l

and means forA operating said core sections.

2. In a molding machine, the combination of a support,a'n outer mold body anda sectional core mounted upon said support, said core comprising-'central and side members? and means for moving the core sections into and out of active position, said means including mechanism for moving one ofthe side core sections laterally, and mechanism for moving the other side core section vertically and laterally and the center core section laterally and vertically towardsactive position and in the reverse order of directions 'moving one ofthe side core sections laterally towards inactive position, so as to accommodate y along a straight line. and mechanism for movingl the other core sections out ofthe .horizontal plane of the said one side core section to inactive position so as to accommodate the, lateral movement of the saidone side section.l

4. In a molding machine, the combination of a support, an outer "mold body and a sectional core mounted upon said support, said core comi prisngcentral and side members, and means for moving the core sections into and out of active position, said means including mechanism for moving one' of the side core sections laterally,

and mechanism for'moving the other side core section vertically and laterally and the center core section laterally and vertically towards active position and in the reverse order of directions towards inactive position, so asto accommodate the individual movements oi' the several core sections, said last-named mechanism includingv a toggle by which the mechanism will be locked in position corresponding to .active vpositionof the -core sections.

5. In a molding machine. the combination of a support, an outer mold body and a sectional core mounted upon said support, said core comprising central and side members, one of said side core sections being ,mounted for straight-line lateral movement into and out of active position, and the other core sections being mounted for lateral movement together 'as a unit and being also mounted for individual, -vertical movement so as to ,accommodate the lateral movementof the said one core section, and means for operating said core sections, said meansincluding toggle mechanism adapted to lock the core sections in active position. j

y 6. In amolding-machine,` the combination of a support, an outer mold body and a sectional core mounted upon said support, said core comprising central and side members, and means for position, said means including toggle mechanism v moving the core sections into and out oi' active for locking the central core section in active position, a hand lever for manipulating the toggle mechanism so as to lock the same, said hand lever being also adapted forreverse manipulation to break the said toggle preparatory to withdrawing'the central core section and -for later lowering the central core section to fully idle position, and a foot pedal having operative connection for withdrawing the central core section from active position, afterl breaking the toggle, as an intermediate operation preceding further lowering of the central coreseotion to fully idle position by =further manipulation of the hand lever.

JOHN R. Cox. ALFaED A. ABRAMOSKA., 

